Zubairu found himself struggling with the unusual desire to suck his wife’s breast milk.
Bauchi, Nigeria – In an admirable demonstration of self-discipline and commitment to his family’s well-being, Okashatu Zubairu, a road engineering artisan, has successfully resisted the unusual urge to consume his wife’s breast milk.
Mr. Zubairu, a dedicated husband and father of four, decided to stop this practice after his doctor warned him of the potential health risks it posed to both his wife and their newborn. Following the birth of his child, Zubairu found himself struggling with the unusual desire to suck his wife’s breast milk. However, during a routine medical visit, his doctor advised him of the dangers associated with this behavior.
“My doctor informed me that consuming my wife’s breast milk could lead to infections and negatively impact her health, which in turn could affect our baby’s well-being,” Zubairu shared during an interview. “I knew I had to stop immediately to protect my family.”
Heeding his doctor’s advice, Mr. Zubairu resisted the urge, prioritizing the health of his wife and child. He also emphasized the importance of respecting personal boundaries and adhering to social norms.
“I’m thankful for my doctor’s guidance and my wife’s support,” he said. “I am proud of the decision I made to prioritize my family’s health and well-being.”
The doctor also explained the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for their baby, encouraging Zubairu to support his wife in this practice. Zubairu expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that his child remained healthy and vibrant, and that they avoided the additional costs of baby supplements.
“My advice to other men is to always prioritize the health of their wives and children over their own desires. Ultimately, we benefit the most because it reduces the burden and expenses associated with illness in the family,” he added.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist from the Bauchi field office, Philomena Irene, has called for the inclusion of fathers in the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding. Citing the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) report, which revealed that over 80% of mothers do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, Irene stressed the importance of involving men in promoting this vital practice.
As the primary decision-makers in many households, fathers play a crucial role in supporting exclusive breastfeeding, which is essential for a child’s early immunization, and is both safe and cost-effective. “We are encouraging fathers and family members, including grandmothers, to commit to exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life. Fathers should regularly check in with their wives to ensure the breastfeeding plan is being followed,” Irene said.
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